Education & Community

Health & Wellness Programs

B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project

B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project, promotes physical, mental and social wellness through the healing power of music. Music wellness has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing stress, improving brain function and promoting a healthy well-being at any stage of life. In older adults, music stimulates mental and physical function, maximizing overall heath. The group interaction inherent within wellness programs provides an outlet for older adults and healthcare patients to express themselves and recall the memories that music sparks and stimulates. By listening to live music and being involved in live music-making experiences, a greater quality of life is possible.

Goals of B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project:

To use music as a catalyst for overall wellness

To explore the emotional and social benefits of music inherent in group interaction, music-making and memory recall

To provide a safe, creative outlet for participants, caregivers and family members to engage in music

B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project Homeless Initiative:A multi-faceted music wellness experience for healthcare and community facilities that serve the homeless, this unique initiative uses music as a catalyst for joy and self-expression for individuals who often feel powerless and marginalized. The Symphony partners with five facilities: Circle the City, Lodestar Day Resource Center, UMOM New Day Center, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development and St. Vincent de Paul Human Services Campus.

B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project for Hospitals: This unprecedented partnership between hospitals and The Symphony allows for musicians to perform varied and engaging programs in public areas of hospitals for patients, family members and hospital staff.

B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project, Music and Alzheimer's Memory Research Initiative: This collaboration between The Phoenix Symphony, College of Health Solutions Research at Arizona State University, College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, ASU Herberger Institute of Music and Music Therapy Clinic and Huger Mercy Living Center, which is part of Dignity Health and Barrow Neurological Institute, evaluates the impact of weekly music-based programs on long-term care facilities residents, caregivers, facility staff and Symphony musicians measuring stress levels through the use of quantitative biomarker protocols.

B-Sharp Music Wellness, a W.O.N.D.E.R. Project for Alzheimer's: Designed for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias as well as their care partners, participants attend Friday morning Coffee Concerts and receive an exclusive pre-concert chat about the day’s music with Principal Timpanist Bruce Pulk. Other optional program components include backstage tours and a "lunch on your own" with fellow participants at a nearby restaurant following the concert. Registration and discounted ticket purchase required.

The Phoenix Symphony gratefully acknowledges the Melani and Rob Walton Fund of The WaltonFamily Foundation for their generous support of this program.

The Phoenix Symphony Also recognizes the following donors fortheir additional support of this program:

Getty Education and Community Investment Grant from the League of American Orchestras